Competency-based driver program a big success in SA

BY NATIONAL TRANSPORT INSURANCE

AN Australian-first driver training program is paying dividends for Fennell Forestry, a major plantation harvesting and haulage operation in Mount Gambier, SA.

The SA government-backed program is de- signed to allow drivers with no prior experience the ability to get their MC licence quicker by training under the guidance of experienced mentor drivers in an authentic operational environment.

A lack of skilled drivers, combined with Covid-19 ravaging driver availability, pushed Fennell Forestry boss Wendy Fennell to pursue the idea she’d be working on for nearly seven years.

Training is conducted on the job, in the cab of Kenworth B-doubles while delivering logs from the forest to mills across the ‘Green Triangle’.

The program gets competent drivers on the road sooner, thanks to the waiving of the legislated 12 months a Heavy Combination (HC) licence holder must wait before attempting to upgrade to an MC licence.

Importantly, drivers must still be assessed by a state government licensing officer before a licence can be issued, as per normal process.

“I put this (MC licence program) forward around six-seven years ago now, to say why don’t we competency-base train people straight to B-double accreditation,” Fennell said.

“It’s crucial that because of the limited resource of skilled labour, that we remove barriers to entry. And one of the barriers to entry is the licens multi-combination licence.

“So, I put it back up to the South Australian Government about two years ago, and they were prepared to come on board.”

Fennell’s case was no doubt helped by its impeccable safety record. In its 30 years of business the company’s trucks have travelled 30 million kilometres without a single accident.

Wendy Fennell said the big selling point of the program is it is competency-based, “so this is all about getting better quality drivers in the seat sooner.”

“While the driver is learning in this pilot program situation they’re doing off-road driving, they’re doing night and day driving, they’re (learning) load restraint – they’re doing all of the tasks that make up what a professional driver needs to be skilled in, then they’re sitting their licence,” she explained.

Fennell adds her one-of-akind training program has also delivered huge benefits to her

GTS Freight Group (GTS) is expanding our fleet in 2023, and as a result currently have some great opportunities for transport professionals (direct employed and Tow Operators) looking to begin a new career with an iconic Mildura based business operating since 1980

Does this sound like you?

• I am looking for an employer who values and respects me

• Wanting to drive fresh, well maintained equipment (predominant Kenworth based fleet)

• I have a great attitude, and I am looking for a stable, secure future

• I want to drive new, modern equipment that is well maintained

• I would like to have work patterns that suit my lifestyle and personal circumstances

• I am a safe, professional driver that cares for my equipment and the freight I am carrying

• Great earnings potential

• MC Licenced with night highway driving experience and a good history as an operator

If this is you, then GTS can provide that opportunity!

GTS is a privately owned, market leader in linehaul transport and logistics solutions, servicing a range of blue-chip companies nationally. GTS is about customer service, safety, and compliance, and we are looking for new Team members who can continue to build that reputation.

GTS currently has career opportunities for roles around the country.

• MC Interstate Drivers

• Tow Operators who are looking for consistent, secure work with a weekly pay cycle and great rates

For more details and application forms, please go to gtsfreight.com.au and click on the Careers drop down menu, online at seek.com.au or call (03) 5051 0100 experienced mentor drivers.

“The other benefit of the program is our mentoring drivers. So, we use the experienced drivers in my fleet to help train these trainees up.

“We believe this gives them another level of career satisfaction, in the fact that they’re able to pass on their knowledge and skill to the next generation.

“They know the drivers coming down the road at them are skilled professional operators as well.”

As of late last year, Fennell Forestry has seen eight drivers go through the program – including Mount Gambier local Joel Flier.

A HC licence holder before joining Fennell Forestry, he has worked around machinery all his life.

Like many other aspiring drivers that Wendy Fennell had met over the years, Flier believed a multi-combina- tion driving career was out of reach due to the limited HC work opportunities available.

Deciding to try his hand with Fennell Forestry’s program, he was soon behind the wheel of one of its trusty Kenworths, learning the ropes for a total of 120 hours with an experienced driver beside him.

“I’ve had eight drivers through the program in 12 months. The candidates that have come on board are all people who have wanted to be in the industry but have not been able to have a pathway,” Fennell said.

“This is an experience that can’t be replicated in a training organisation, and that’s why I believe it wins out.

“We’re getting better drivers on the road sooner, by providing competency-based training and assessment across all elements of multi combination driving, helping SA